Google to Temporarily Reinstate Delisted Indian Apps, says Ashwini Vaishnaw

Google has decided to temporarily reinstate delisted Indian apps on its Play Store amid the intervention of the government. Google's decision was followed by the appeals of affected developers with pending appeals in the Supreme Court. This reprieve of apps on the platform signifies Google's willingness to address concerns while upholding its established business model.

Although while reinstating the apps, Google is going to maintain its rights to enforce its business model, emphasizing the fair application of its policies. Developers will still be invoiced for applicable service fees during this interim period.

What is the reason behind Google delisting Indian apps?

In the previous week, Google India had removed some Indian homegrown apps from its Play Store due to non-compliance with billing regulations of Google. These delisted apps had been bypassing Google's billing policies for in-app digital goods for the past three years. In response to this, Google has promptly taken action against these applications.

In 2020, Google clarified its Payments policy offering Indian developers three billing options. Google charges developers a service fee of 15 to 30 percent for in-app purchases and subscriptions on its Play Store. However, in October 2022, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) fined Google for anticompetitive practices regarding its Play Store policies highlighting the contentious nature of the issue.

A Google spokesperson said, "In the spirit of cooperation, we are temporarily reinstating the apps of the developers with appeals pending in the Supreme Court. Google maintains its right to implement and enforce its business model, as established in various courts. We will invoice our full applicable service fees in the interim and are extending payment timelines for these companies. We look forward to a collaborative effort to find solutions that respect the needs of all parties."

What is the government's stance on the matter of delisting Indian apps?

The delisting of Indian apps significantly raised concerns regarding the future and security of Indian startups and entrepreneurs. The delisting sparked the government's intervention with Minister of Information and Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw expressing his support for Indian startups affected by Google's action. The government plans to convene a meeting with Google and affected startup founders to find a solution to the issue.

Delisted apps to be restored.
Google and app developers will work in close co-operation with each other. pic.twitter.com/ANOC8BlEs9

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (मोदी का परिवार) (@AshwiniVaishnaw) March 5, 2024

The issue is set to be heard in the Supreme Court later this month, on 19th March 2024. Here, stakeholders anticipate a collaborative effort to find solutions that can accommodate the needs of all including developers, the government, and Google itself.

Conclusion

Although the tussle between the tech giant and the Indian government remains unresolved, the temporary reinstatement of delisted Indian apps represents a step towards resolving the ongoing dispute between Google and Indian app developers.

Read More:

Google Delisting Indian Apps Cannot be Permitted; says Minister Vaishnaw

Delisted Indian Apps Have “Not” Been Reinstated by Google: Vinay Singhal, Cofounder and CEO, STAGE